#Hong Kong #Global Health #Yidan Prize #education innovation

The 2026 Yidan Prize: Honoring Pioneers in Education

On September 4, 2026, the Yidan Prize Foundation hosted a pivotal press conference in Hong Kong, announcing the laureates for the Yidan Prize 2026. This marks a decade of celebrating those who are delivering transformative change in education around the globe. Chaired by Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills at the OECD, the independent selection committee revealed its decision to award the prestigious Yidan Prize for Educational Research to Professor Paul W. Glewwe. His groundbreaking research focuses on dismantling barriers to learning by developing effective policies and interventions grounded in rigorous empirical research. This work aims to unlock the potential of children in vulnerable communities, paving the way towards a healthier, more prosperous future.

In addition, the Yidan Prize for Educational Development was awarded to Professor Susan P. Walker, Professor Sally Grantham-McGregor, and Dr. Susan M. Chang-López for their impactful work in early childhood education through an evidence-based program called Reach Up. This initiative seeks to revolutionize the educational trajectories of children in disadvantaged, displaced, and indigenous communities.

A Significant Financial Boost

Each of the laureates will receive HK$30 million (approximately $3.8 million), comprising HK$15 million in cash and an unrestricted project fund of HK$15 million aimed at expanding their ground-breaking efforts. Since 2017, the Yidan Prize Foundation has dispersed HK$600 million (about $77 million) across 25 laureates, affecting educational practices in nearly 60 countries and regions.

Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, founder of the Yidan Prize, noted, "The collective work and impact of our laureates over the last decade have made the Yidan Prize a beacon illuminating the way forward for global education. Each winner reinforces this commitment, introducing transformative ideas and redefining how we shape the future of education."

Pioneering Change in Educational Research

Paul W. Glewwe, a Regents Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, was recognized for his contributions to understanding how socio-economic, health, and nutritional factors influence children’s educational outcomes. His pioneering research, which includes incorporating literacy, arithmetic, and abstract reasoning indicators into World Bank household surveys, has enabled policymakers to better understand the critical connections between poverty, inequality, and education. Notably, Glewwe was a frontrunner in applying randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and policies, thus empowering governments and development organizations to allocate resources to strategies proven to enhance learning.

Dr. Elizabeth M. King, Chair of the Yidan Prize jury for Educational Research, highlighted Glewwe’s notable contributions, stating, "Real educational transformation occurs when unyielding scientific rigor intersects with a genuine commitment to improving lives. For nearly 40 years, Paul Glewwe has provided the essential evidence that governments need to spend wisely, teachers need to instruct effectively, and millions of vulnerable children need to learn, thrive, and break free from the cycle of intergenerational poverty."

Supporting Caregivers in Early Childhood

The recipients of the Yidan Prize for Educational Development have been recognized for the Reach Up program, which is based on extensive research identifying the critical role of early stimulation and quality interaction in children’s development. This program provides caregivers with practical strategies and activities designed to stimulate children from birth to four years old within their cultural contexts and daily routines. Reach Up is currently implemented in over 21 countries, making strides in enhancing childhood development through healthcare, social protection, education, and humanitarian systems.

Dorothy K. Gordon, Chair of the jury for the Educational Development Prize, praised the contributions of the laureates, stating, "Reach Up offers children better opportunities for equal beginnings in learning, education, and life. The laureates have demonstrated that lasting change can be achieved through a combination of data-driven insights, collaboration, and local leadership. The global impact of their efforts is grounded in the quality and rigor of their pioneering multidisciplinary research, paired with well-designed interventions."

Looking Ahead: The Yidan Prize Summit 2026

The 2026 laureates will engage in three days of dynamic discussions at the Yidan Prize Summit, scheduled for December 3-5, 2026, in Hong Kong. Building on last year’s discussions on the future of education at a crossroads, the 2026 Yidan Prize Summit will highlight a shift towards viewing education not merely as a location but as a driving force for developing thriving ecosystems rooted in human relationships, creativity, and deep learning in the age of artificial intelligence. The awarding ceremony will take place on the final day of the summit, where the laureates will officially receive their prizes.

Conclusion

The Yidan Prize continues to shine a light on the innovations and transformative waves in education, celebrating individuals and programs that not only inspire change but practically facilitate it, changing lives and societal structures for the better. For more information, visit yidanprize.org. Follow @yidanprize on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.